I was just dropping off a FedEx in the outdoor drop box at Post Office downtown. As I put the envelope in the box- I noticed a lady sitting on the stairs by me. She was dressed in a red suit- long hair-with a complementing hat and 2 bags of luggage. She was going somewhere. But where I dont know because the bus doesnt pick people up there. Anyways, she was yelling at people walking by. Calling them murders, and just yelling whatever came to her mind. I looked her in the eyes from a distance and she began to talk- though I was just far enough away that I couldn't make out her words. I began to think of what could have happened to this lady who was decently dressed and had a simple beauty about her- to make her go mad. I thought that she could possibly be someone's mother. Someone'e wife. The lady had clearly lost her mind-and anyone around her knew it was so. She was not fully there and was left alone on the steps of the Post Office- bags with her- in a red suit..to fend for herself. But where was she going? Who's responsibility is she? What was her life previous to this? Was she a small school child once who was made fun of by her peers? Was she a loving wife who developed a mental illness and was sent to an institution? How could she be homeless with no one to care for her? All these thoughts, and more, rushed through my mind as I was leaving the Post Office. I passed her as I flew by in my car- but this time she was standing. Again, I looked her right in the eyes and she began to mumble- raising both her hands in the air as if she were reaching up to God. I can only imagine the tale of her life. What events led her to such madness? What could have been done-if anything- to prevent this woman- with a seemingly kind disposition to turn her mind inside out? God only knows.
All I can say is that this makes me want to love those around me all the more. And I challenge you with the same thought: love those God has placed around you. YOUR love can make a difference in their life!!
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2 comments:
First off - I'm SOOO excited that I stuck your blog in my feed even though you weren't updating for like forever... because here you are! Yay :)
Secondly - this blog reminds me of an experience I had. I was at the Bread Co by Destiny and there was a woman who looked homeless. I sensed the Lord telling me to buy her lunch. I went over and asked if I could get her lunch - she thanked me and accepted it. I watched her tuck most of the lunch into her bags - all the while mumbling to herself.
A while later she asked if I would give her a ride - which I agreed to do when Allen came to get me. As we were driving her to supposedly meet a friend she asked if I have a business card and if so could she have it. I gave her one with little hesitation.
It was clear she wasn't totally all there, but she seemed harmless and I just wanted to love on her :)
This happened about 15 months ago now. During this time I have received calls from about 7-10 hospitals from PN to OK and everywhere inbetween. Sometimes she's told them I'm her sister, sometimes a friend, sometimes her social worker. I started taking notes to help the hospitals fill in the blanks...
All this to say, I wonder if Mildred is her real name. Does she have family that wonder where she is? Is she afraid and lonely? What happened to her?
So yes... totally get what you're saying here and I love your heart :)
Meghan :) Can you believe I am just getting your post on my blog? That's sad!! I don't check it very often. I just signed up for the Mobile blog option - so I'm going to see if that helps me to update it more.
Thanks for your comment. Wow - that is incredible. She held onto your card for that long and referred to you as the POC when she's sick. I hope she's ok and the opportunity opens up for you to share with her! Love you girl and thanks for commenting!
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